"My wife, who now knows the whole truth, is most anxious for
restitution to be made. She is about to restore that portion of the
money which lies in her name. Most of the rest will be sent back by
myself, on certain conditions.
"In communicating the fact of my being still alive to the head of my
family you will please also to inform him that I authorise the
discontinuance of the premium. This will save the family 300 pounds a
year. This will be a solatium to him for the fact that his brother
still lives to disgrace the name. If I should die before the next
premium is due I order my heirs not to claim the money.--I remain,
Gentlemen, your obedient servant,
"HARRY NORLAND."
"The premium which should have been paid under ordinary circumstances,"
said the Secretary, "was due six weeks ago. The policy has therefore
expired."
"It is a characteristic letter," said the lawyer. "Lord Harry was born
to be a trouble to his family. There has never been a time, so far as I
remember, when he was not a trouble and a disgrace. Hitherto, however,
he has avoided actual crime--at least, actual detection. Now, I
suppose, the game is up. Yet, gentlemen, the letter is not that of an
utter villain.
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